Journal #J-11/2003
Solving Continuous-Time Optimal-Control Problems with a Spreadsheet
Eric Nævdal
Department of Economics & Social Sciences Agricultural University of Norway PO Box 5033, N-1432 Ås, Norway http://www.nlh.no/ior/ e-mail: eric.naevdal@ior.nlh.no

Nævdal, E. (2003): "Solving Continuous-Time Optimal-Control Problems with a Spreadsheet", Journal of Economic Education, 34(2):99-122.

Abstract:
The present paper explains how optimal control problems can be solved with a common spreadsheet such as Microsoft Excel. The method is illustrated by several examples ranging from very simple models to quite advanced topics. The method is intended to be beneficial to students and teachers working with complicated theory in the class room as well as researchers needing a tool for finding numerical solutions to optimal control problems.

Key words: Optimal control, numerical methods.

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